Why Train Children in Chores
As Christian parents, we are not only called to love and provide for our children but to raise them in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. One of the most practical and biblical ways we do this is through training our children in chores. In this blog—the first of a three-part series—we’ll explore why we train our children in chores and how it shapes them for life, godliness, and responsibility.
While I’ll return to this idea in the final point, it’s important to begin with the truth that God has called Christian parents to raise a godly offspring (Malachi 2:15). This calling motivates me to pursue godliness not just in the big decisions, but in the everyday moments of family life. Teaching our children to do chores is a practical way to live out obedience—and obedience is a core expression of godliness.
I emphasize this because at the heart of training children in chores is our own obedience to God as Christian parents. This foundational truth is a strong motivation for any believer who desires to walk faithfully with the Lord.
Of course, there are other important reasons as well. Let’s now explore the seven foundational reasons why we train our children in chores.
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We Are Training Them for Life as we Train Chores
The first and most foundational reason why we train our children in chores is to equip them with essential life skills for children.
As parents, we cannot assume our kids will always live under our roof or in the same conditions we enjoy. They may not always have access to house help or conveniences like washing machines. Training them to cook, clean, do laundry, and manage their environment is about preparing them to function independently and confidently wherever life leads them.
Whether they go to college dorms, stay with relatives, or eventually move into their own homes, they will need to know how to run a household.
I’ve met parents who prioritized formal education while overlooking informal training—especially when it comes to teaching children chores at home. I once spoke with a young woman who was finishing college, and she shared that she didn’t know how to cook well. Her guardian had always emphasized academic success, often sending her off to study instead of involving her in household responsibilities during school holidays. Since she spent most of her time in boarding school, she missed out on learning essential life skills for children. As a result, she was graduating with a degree but lacked the basic skills she would need to live independently.
Training in chores enables children to become competent adults who bless others, manage their time and space well, and reflect godly stewardship in their daily living.
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They Develop an Appreciation for Work
We live in an age of instant gratification—instant coffee, instant messaging, and increasingly, a desire for an effortless life. Many children grow up without an appreciation for manual labor or hard work. But one important benefit of chores for kids is that it teaches them the value and dignity of work.
Far too many young people today are growing up with a weak work ethic simply because they haven’t learned to value hard work. Even in the face of widespread unemployment, many still cling to the idea that success only comes through formal employment. As a result, they overlook opportunities that require manual labor or practical skills—opportunities that could sustain them if they had the right mindset and training.
It reminds me of the well-known quote by Thomas Edison: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
Teaching our children to appreciate and engage in hard work through chores helps them develop a resilient, entrepreneurial mindset that many of their peers are sadly missing.
When children participate in housework—whether it’s cleaning dishes, watering the garden, or caring for animals—they begin to see that maintaining a home takes effort. They start to value what others do and learn that even seemingly small tasks contribute to a well-functioning family.
This sense of appreciation for hard work helps shape their character development and humility.
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Chores Teach Valuable Life Skills
Another reason why we train our children in chores is that chores are an excellent vehicle for teaching practical, lifelong skills. Cooking, baking, sweeping, sewing, planting, and lighting a fire are not only helpful—they can even become income-generating activities in the future.
These aren’t just tasks to be completed—they’re opportunities for children to gain mastery and confidence. Whether your child grows up to be a homemaker, a student, or a business owner, these skills offer a strong foundation.
One of our children’s regular responsibilities is preparing all the meals on Saturdays—breakfast, lunch, and supper. While our teenager isn’t always thrilled about this arrangement, she faithfully follows through because she knows it’s part of her assigned chores.
We’ve been genuinely impressed by the creativity and initiative our children show in the kitchen. They’ve prepared meals inspired by different cultures, often using whatever ingredients are available in the pantry. It gives me so much peace as a parent to see them not only learning to cook but also growing in their ability to care for themselves. I’m confident that wherever life takes them, they’ll be able to manage and thrive—even when we’re not around.
Teaching kids responsibility through chores is one of the best ways to equip them for adulthood.
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It Helps Them Learn to Manage Time
A fourth reason why we train our children in chores is that it helps them develop a sense of time management.
For example, when our children know they must complete their morning devotion, finish chores, and then start their schoolwork by a certain time, they begin to structure their day.
This instills a habit of planning and prioritizing. Even when things don’t go as planned, they learn to adjust. Whether it’s setting the table, cleaning a room, or helping with meals, chores reinforce that some things must be done on time.
This habit doesn’t just help in childhood—it becomes part of their work ethic later in life.
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Chores Build Responsibility
Why we train our children in chores also ties directly to building a sense of personal responsibility. Just this past week, we had to be away from home, and our older niece stayed with the children. To my joy, I came home to freshly made chapatis. The children had managed their home duties, including cooking!
That’s what happens when you raise responsible children—they begin to function without constant supervision. They take initiative. They step in to serve others. When you visit, they gladly help the host. They build a strong sense of ownership. These are qualities that will benefit them—and those around them—for life.
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It Facilitates Character Growth
Chores stretch children in the best ways. One of the spiritual benefits of chores for kids is how it refines their character development. When a child wants to play but is asked to finish cleaning first, they learn discipline and perseverance.
Sometimes, they’ll face inconveniences—as it often happens in our area, when the water runs out and they have to fetch it from the storage tank outside to clean the toilet. But in doing so, they grow in patience, problem-solving, and resilience.
These lessons are deeply biblical. We are teaching our children to stay committed even when tasks are hard or unpleasant.
The goal isn’t perfection but diligence, which is a biblical virtue (Proverbs 12:24).
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It Is Biblical and God-Honoring
Finally—and most importantly—why we train our children in chores is because it is biblical parenting.
Proverbs 22:6 reminds us: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Chores are one way we obey this command.
It takes time and repetition to train a child to cook, clean, or do laundry properly. But these habits become ingrained, and the fruit is long-lasting.
Teaching children to work, serve, and care for others is one way we disciple them and raise up a godly offspring.
When your child wipes a table, sweeps a room, or folds clothes, they’re doing more than helping—they’re learning obedience, diligence, and service. And as we train them in these small things, we prepare them to be faithful in bigger responsibilities (Luke 16:10).
In Summary: Why We Train Our Children in Chores
To recap, here are the seven key reasons why we train our children in chores:
- To prepare them for life
- To develop an appreciation for work
- To teach valuable life skills
- To instill time management
- To build responsibility
- To shape godly character
- Because it is biblical
These are not just tasks for your child to do—they are tools God uses for their sanctification and growth.
In next week’s post, I’ll be sharing 4 categories of practical chores you can teach your children. My goal is not to present a perfect picture, but to encourage you from one Christian parent to another.
Let us continue to raise our children in faith, diligence, and love, trusting that the Lord will complete the good work He has begun in them.
If this blog has encouraged you, please share it with another mom or dad who desires to embrace Christian parenting tips rooted in God’s Word.
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Stay tuned for the next part in this series, and may the Lord bless you as you train up your child in the way they should go!